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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, and troubleshooting controls systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

This role is responsible for the complete controls lifecycle including HMI development, PLC and Safety PLC programming, electrical hardware design, panel layouts, field device layouts, risk ...

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Automation & Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

The Automation & Controls Engineer alongside the RDT (Research Development and Transformation) team ... Program all software for unique projects with a variety of needs (PLC, HMI/SCADA, Servo, Robotics ...

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

PLC Controller programming using advanced techniques and HMI interfaces * Production, installation and commissioning of PLC systems * Integrated commissioning of the PLC systems * Documentation ...

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design ... PLC logic programming. * Design, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design ... PLC logic programming. * Design, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000 Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Troubleshoot control systems wiring, PLC / SCADA logic, PLCs, and calibrations, both for issues ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or ...

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Plc Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$90.8K

$122.4K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in California is $90,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are PLC Controls Engineers?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What Does a PLC Controls Engineer Do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges a PLC Controls Engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Plc Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Plc Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs in CA? For Plc Controls Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$91K - $117K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: PLC Controls Engineer
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Job Description:
Essential Responsibilities
• Develop technical manuals, drawings, models, training documents, preventative maintenance plans and troubleshoot guides for automated equipment and automated processes.
• Support the validation of the automated equipment operations
• Coordinate Preventative Maintenance initiatives and communicate daily department activities.
• Interface with a variety of automated equipment and drive controls solutions to eliminate defects improve cycle times, reduce machine downtime
• Help support and develop equipment controls requirements and specifications.
• Support design engineers qualifying complex automation controls solutions and applications.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to the operation of the automation equipment.
• Support New Product Development automation needs.
• A strong digital logic understanding
• Understanding of PLC scan flow (inputs, Decisions, outputs)
• Ability to work with logic that is full of Set/Reset (latch/unlatch) bits, NOT Finite State Machine.
• Experience working on Servos, Robots, HMI's, PLC's, Vision cameras, TCP/IP, ProfibusDP, Profinet,
Qualifications/Requirements
B.S in Engineering or a Technical Practice with Curriculum in Computer Science or Electrical practices.
PLC development Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens...
Experience with SCADA (Supervisory and data Acquisition Systems.
Proficient in Microsoft Applications, word, excel
HMI development with Ignition system software.
PLC, HMI & SCADA - PLC programming at least 90% on Rockwell out of total experience.
PLC programming done from scratch for at least one project.
Servo experience - Must have hand on experience on at least one big project
Robotics - Must have hand on experience on at least one big project
Database - Minimum one project where candidate worked on SQL or any relevant database
Desired Characteristics
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Capability to work in teams